Religious organizations join the fight against COVID-19

(VOVWORLD) - Religious organizations in Thai Binh province have actively responded to Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong’s appeal and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s Directive on strengthening the COVID-19 prevention and control.

There are 870 pagodas with 600 monks and thousands of followers in Thai Binh. All religious events and rituals are cancelled to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. Religious organizations disseminate information about COVID-19 impacts, infection risks, and preventive measures through loudspeakers.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Hoa, Head of the Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Board in Thai Binh province, said: “The Buddhist Sangha has asked all the local pagodas to suspend religious events and activities to avoid large gatherings”.

Thai Binh province’s bishop office has sent instructions to priests and followers on measures to prevent COVID-19 epidemic. Priest Nguyen Van De, Head of Thai Binh diocese, said: “We have worked out necessary and clear measures although they affect our regular religious activities”.

Thai Binh bishop also asked dioceses not to participate in religious events in foreign countries and not to receive any dignitaries from other countries. They also made a list of the number of dignitaries and followers who had returned from the pandemic hit areas and informed local authorities of COVID-19 suspected cases.